Final answer:
Silicon is the most commonly used material in constructing semiconductors, utilized for its intermediary resistivity which allows its conductivity to be precisely controlled through doping, making it ideal for use in electronics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most commonly used material in the construction of semiconductors is silicon. Semiconductors have unique properties that lie between those of conductors, with low resistivity and high free charge density, and insulators, with high resistivity and bound charges. Silicon's ability to function as a semiconductor is due to its intermediate resistivity, which allows for control over its conductivity. By introducing specific impurities, a process known as doping, the conductivity can be modified, making silicon highly useful in electronic components such as computer chips.
Impurities play a critical role in determining the semiconductor's properties, as they provide free charges that contribute to the material's conductive abilities. The relationship between resistivity and impurity concentration is important, with a careful balance required to achieve the desired electronic characteristics. This is essential in the creation of various electronic devices, which rely on precise control over semiconductor behavior.